On the one-year anniversary edition of AEW Dynamite, AEW Women’s World Champion, Hikaru Shida retained her title against Big Swole.
A handshake started the match but that’s where the friendless stopped and the competition began. Both competitors would go at it. Shida would try to gain momentum with speed and running offence, but Swole would use an array of headlocks and submission holds to stem Shida’s flow.
Swole would continue to dominate early on with her strength and physicality. However, Shida’s trusty knee strikes would come into play to level the odds.
Shida would hit a straight jacket suplex for a near fall. A running knee strike and falcon arrow would result in another two-count.
Swole would hit dirty dancing but Shida would reach the ropes to break the count.
Shida would retaliate with another running knee for a hard-fought victory while Nyla Rose looked on.
This match was ok but messy in parts. There seemed to be some miscommunication at times, which led to some awkwardness in the ring. Shida was nowhere near her best here. The lack of regular matches has hurt her. She needs way more TV time to improve and get back to the level we all know she can perform at. The sooner she feuds with Britt Baker the better.
Speaking of Baker we joined her and Tony Schiavone for a “How to Be a Role Model” segment, which emanated from a beauty salon. However, the session was cut short when Baker realised Tony Schiavone was topless.
Schiavone was then subjected to an impromptu chest wax. Baker and Reba/Rebel took it in turns to gleefully tear out Schiavone’s chest hair. Baker would reveal that she will continue her “epic comeback” next week.
What did you make of the show? Let us know in the comments below. As always stay tuned to Diva Dirt for all of your AEW news and reviews.
